Episodes

The Heartland Apicultural Society returns to Michigan State University May 30–31, 2026, bringing together beekeepers from across the region for two days of education, networking, and hands-on learning. In this Beekeeping Today Podcast Short, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Ana Heck of Michigan State University and Dr. Robyn Underwood of Penn State University to preview the upcoming conference and explain why this event offers something valuable for everyone from beginning beekeepers to expe...

In this Bee Science with Dewey, Dewey explores the rapid growth of honey bee colonies in spring and the management decisions beekeepers face during this critical season. Dewey discusses how pollen availability, weather, and nutrition drive brood production and colony expansion, while also increasing the risk of swarming and varroa mite reproduction. The episode reviews current research on protein supplementation, including studies from the University of Guelph, the USDA, and Washington State University, highlighting how supplemental feeding can support stronger spring buildup and improved overwintering success. Dewey also examines brood breaks, swarm prevention, colony evaluation methods, and the importance of balancing growth with pest management. Throughout the discussion, Dewey emphasizes practical observation and individualized colony management, reminding beekeepers that no two colonies—or spring seasons—are exactly alike.

Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Randy and Eric Oliver to discuss selective breeding, Golden West queens, and the future of Varroa-resistant honey bees. The Olivers explain their breeding philosophy, mite wash systems, drone management, and why genetics may offer the long-term solution to Varroa control.

Stephanie Slater shares expert tips on selecting and preparing jars for honey shows, along with updates on upcoming events and judging opportunities.

Dr. Juliana Rangel joins the Queen Series to explore honey bee mating behavior, drone importance, and the science behind queen quality and longevity.

Dr. Sammy Ramsey joins this BTP Short to discuss his work on National Geographic’s Secrets of the Bees. From science to storytelling, he shares how the series reveals new insights into honey bee behavior, Varroa resistance, and the emotional connection between humans and bees.

Dr. David Tarpy joins Jeff and Becky to kick off a new queen-focused series by redefining what “queen quality” really means. Moving beyond brood patterns, Tarpy explains how mating success, sperm viability, and colony perception all shape a queen’s performance. The discussion highlights how worker bees—not just the queen herself—play a central role in determining colony outcomes, and why environmental stressors like temperature and pesticides can lead to premature queen failure. This episode provides a science-based foundation for understanding queens as part of a complex, responsive system rather than a simple egg-laying individual.

Swarm season moves fast, and knowing when—and how—to respond can make all the difference. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Mateo Kaiser about how Bee Swarmed is helping beekeepers connect with swarm opportunities in real time. Mateo explains how the platform streamlines swarm reporting, reduces confusion for the public, and increases the chances that swarms are safely collected and rehomed. The conversation also explores practical swarm management decisions, including when to split colonies and how to stay ahead of swarming pressure during rapid spring buildup. Looking ahead, Mateo shares how emerging data tools—like swarm timing predictions and trap placement insights—are giving beekeepers a new way to anticipate swarm behavior rather than simply react to it.

Honey show insights, black jar judging, and bee lab outreach from the University of Minnesota highlight this final Midwest Honey Bee Expo short.

Dr. Dewey Caron explains how to build an effective Varroa management plan using IPM principles, early-season control, and the right combination of treatment tools.

Dr. Dewey Caron discusses updates to the Honey Bee Health Coalition’s Varroa Management Guide, including new thresholds, decision tools, and science-based strategies for controlling mites.

Recorded at the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, this episode features SimplKomb and BRB Feeder discussing comb honey production and innovative hive feeding solutions.

Jeff Pettis and Carlos Perea return to discuss Terra Vera’s hive health approach, including varroa control, pathogen reduction, and new tools for improving biosecurity in beekeeping.

Live from the Midwest Honey Bee Expo, Jeff and Becky talk with David Burns, BroodMinder, and Hive Butler about beekeeping insights, tools, and innovations shaping the industry.

Stephanie Slater launches a new monthly series on honey shows, sharing how to get started, why they matter, and how competitions like the Black Jar Contest help beekeepers improve their craft.

Chip Taylor and Gard Otis return to discuss Africanized honey bee swarming, sharing research, field observations, and how these bees reproduce and spread differently from European colonies.

Stephanie Slater introduces her experience with honey shows and judging, previewing a new series on evaluating honey and participating in beekeeping competitions.

Spotted lanternfly honey is gaining attention across the beekeeping world. In this episode, Jeff and Becky talk with Dr. Robyn Underwood and Dr. Ferhat Ozturk about what this honey really is, how it’s produced, and what it means for beekeepers navigating invasive species.

Dr. Dewey Caron explains the biology of Varroa mites, how they reproduce inside brood cells, and why understanding their life cycle is essential for protecting honey bee colonies.

Dr. Jamie Ellis discusses honey bee health research, practical beekeeping insights, and how current science helps beekeepers make better management decisions in the apiary.

Tara Chapman returns to discuss her book For the Bees, her biology-first approach to teaching beekeeping, and how she built a successful bee business starting with just two hives in Austin, Texas.

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Priyadarshini “Priya” Basu of Washington State University to discuss two major topics shaping the future of beekeeping: the upcoming COLOSS North America meeting and the evolving science of honey bee nutrition. COLOSS (Prevention of Colony Losses) is an international nonprofit network of more than 2,000 honey bee researchers across 113 countries. For the first time, a multi–task force North American meeting will be held June 6–12 at Washington State Univer...

Jeff and Becky introduce a live business panel from the 2026 Midwest Honey Bee Expo. Experienced beekeepers discuss profitability, overwintering losses, labor, and the financial realities of running a sustainable beekeeping operation.

Dewey Caron introduces colony necropsy, showing how hive debris can diagnose colony health, seasonal progress, and unseen stress—giving beekeepers a simple, low-disturbance management tool.